Kristey Williams

Kristey Williams was born in Wichita, Kansas. She earned a high school diploma from Augusta High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Kansas in 1993, and an M.D. from the University of Kansas in 1997. Williams' career experience includes working in insurance sales and as a science teacher with the Buhler School District and the Andover School District. She volunteered with Project Play Park and the Save Our State Street Campaign. Williams was elected to serve as the mayor of Augusta, Kansas in 2007.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a mother of four and a former public school teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to serve the 77th District for the past decade in the Kansas House. As someone who is passionate about people, policy, and the process – I’ve been able represent the priorities and values of my district as the Chair of the K-12 Education Budget Committee (past six years), a member of the Appropriations, Commerce, and Legislative Post Audit Committee. Prior to serving the House, I was also elected as Augusta’s first female mayor and served in that capacity for just over seven years before I was elected to the House. My background includes graduating from the University of Kansas with both my bachelor’s and master’s degree, teaching science in both Andover and Buhler Public Schools, serving my community as the spearhead of many large projects including the Play Park and Castle Park community builds. I’ve been married to my husband Joe for almost 31 years and we are very proud of our four children (two KU graduates and two currently attending K-State). We love to travel, spend time with family and friends, and serve others in our church and greater community. Serving others is evident in the passion and time I put forth to solve issues for my constituents, pass legislation that puts more money back in taxpayers pockets, and defend the most vulnerable.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My first priority includes protecting our Constitutional rights and liberties and ensuring parents, students, and families have the support they need to live their lives with less government intrusion. We should diligently protect our freedoms especially with ever intrusive advances on our first and second amendment rights. With this protection is a core belief in limited government. The growth of government has, in many cases, exceeded the ability of many families to catch a breath. With more government dollars expended, it creates more challenges for those who want to start a business, buy a home, pay off debt, & provide for a family. Protecting our freedoms can best be addressed with limited government.My second priority is the reduction in taxes, especially property tax, for the residents and businesses of Butler County. In the past session alone, I've voted seven times to reduce the tax burden on social security, food sales tax, property tax, income tax, and supported further tax reductions for veterans, seniors, and families through expanded credits and deductions. In Butler County, our property tax is approximately 20% higher than our neighbor to the west. It's vitally important that our seniors, families, and businesses can afford to make Butler County their home. The best way to grow an economy is by giving more dollars back to the peoplke and by sound fiscal and tax policy. Lower the rate, expand the base equals good policy.Ensuring educational excellence for all students and a continued focus on improving student achievement is a priority. All students should have access to the best education that meets their individual needs. All hands on deck are needed to tackle the challenges facing our youth. In the past six years, I've chaired K-12 Education Budget which has Constitutionally funded public schools fully. As a former public school teacher, I support education freedom for our students, especially low-income and struggling students. Supporting students, parents, and teachers to secure the best education for each student is a priority. I am passionate about education.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I serve on the Appropriations, Commerce, K-12 Education (chair), and Legislative Post Audit Committees. I'm passionate about education, tax policy, and commerce. Kansas is a better place with more transparency and accountability in all areas of government -- from our schools and economic incentive programs to equitable tax policy that encourages economic growth and prosperity. Policies in all of these areas are important not only to me, but to the well-being of our State.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my Mother and those who have remained committed to their faith and values.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Thomas Sowell is one of my favorite economists who shares his thoughts based on statistical evidence. His rational, balanced, and thoughtful reviews are very much in line with how I try to look at controversial issues. I also loved reading Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals about the struggles of President Lincoln and his commitment to end slavery and bring a nation together. In addition, I am also an avid reader of the Bible which directs my mind and heart towards service to others. Life is a journey -- I am dedicated to learning, listening, and serving.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, work ethic, vision, leadership, and love for the people represented.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

The ethic of hard work is deeply engrained having watched my parents, both teachers, take on multiple roles and jobs to provide for their four children. I am also an analytical thinker who is quick to ask questions when looking at policy. Finally, I make every effort to follow through with my commitments and uphold the values of my district. Ultimately, my faith steers me toward the desire to serve honorably.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Core responsibilities include open communication with constituents, accessibility to constituents, and protection for those served. In addition, making thoughtful voting decisions based on the constituency that elected you.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy that most exemplifies me is that of fighting for the average person, whether it's for lower taxes or for educational opportunities. The second legacy I hope to leave for others is someone who has relentlessly advocated for accountability and transparency in all government areas.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Voting for President Bush in 1988 as a senior in high school.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Waitress at Lehr's Restuarant -- 4 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My all-time favorite authors would be C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Their ability to tell a story, explain an existential question, and bring the reader on an incredible, uplifting journey are almost unparalleled. I have also been challenged by Oswald Chambers, Randy Alcorn, and John Piper. On the fun side, I enjoy historical fiction (though I have little time for that in this season of life) such as Mary Queen of Scotland by Margaret George.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The Goodness of God by Rhett Walker. I love the reminder that God is so good, so faithful, and so merciful to us.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As someone who is energetic and service-oriented, my struggles relate to slowing down -- both mentally and physically. I'm always taking on projects, whether capital investments or people-oriented; therefore, it's hard for me to simply relax. Secondly, I have to constantly remind myself to speak slower.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, U.S. Congressman Ron Estes, Kansans for Life, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Fraternal Order of Police, Kansas Livestock Association, Senate President Ty Masterson, Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, and Senate Majority Leader Larry Alley.

What committees interest you?

Appropriations, Commerce, Education

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I sponsored the first bills that led to both the Community Taxpayer Accountability "buttons" found on college websites and the Economic Incentives Transparency Database. I led the effort to not only bring those bills to fruition, but also to improve the information and format of those resources. In addition, I've advocated for K-12 funding to be paired with legislation that includes greater transparency. During my tenure, we've expanded the requirements for student achievement reporting and financial reporting on the Kansas Department of Education website. I am 100% for more transparency on every level for taxpayers.

Kristey Williams did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Kristey Williams did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Williams' website highlighted the following campaign themes:[11]

Provide Tax Relief for Families and Small Businesses

Create jobs by growing our economy

Support Pro-Life and Pro-Family Values

Resist all federal intrusion into our State

Protect 2nd Amendment Rights